Sun, 9th Nov, 2014 Hunts Bridge Camping Area, Lal Lal State Forest to Mt Eliza

Overcast morning 16 degrees. No more rain overnight. One other camper stopped in the area above us. We went down beside the creek. Headed off through grazing farmland at the edge of the State Forest. Rolling green hills to Ballan where we joined the M8 Freeway into Melbourne. Stopped at the huge 7 Eleven at Sunshine West – won’t that be nice to say “I live in Sunshine” in if it is pouring with rain!!!

We can see Melbourne City in the distance.

The freeway is decorated with ‘art’ and sound walls are decorative so it makes for a pleasant drive. This one was quite unique.

Onto the big bridge that I took a photo of from the Eureka Skydeck – stands out as it curves around.

Looking over the Yarra River to the big container port. Largest in the world I think someone said.

Tried to find the turn off after the bridge over the Yarra to get to the Port where the Spirit of Tasmania is – we could see it but thought there would be have signs. Saw one sign below us so figured out where we should have gone. Will investigate another day. The leaning over arch lights up at night.

Will have to check how much that trip cost on my Go Via tag but it certainly takes the stress out of the trip when towing a van.

Through the Burnley Tunnel under Melbourne.

A lot of extra metal to decorate a footbridge.

Mr Bee and 4 eyed me – trying to see signs ahead and read the map on my lap – Girlie was having a day off.

 More art!!

Into Mt Eliza to my aunt Jocelyn and uncle John Beal’s home.

Great to see them again. Managed to get the caravan across the driveway and I headed to the washing machine – great to have a bigger machine and no hand rinsing!!  Not that I am complaining!

My cousin, Janet, called in, which was wonderful to see her again. Her husband Geoff is overseas with his work. Will call in and stay with them at Smith’s Gully next time as there were gold mines in that area – Janet was interested in hearing about detecting as she thought she might get one.

  

Her sister Roz and her partner Jim arrived so had a great chatting afternoon.

Wandered around their garden taking lots of photos of their beautiful plants and roses.

Little apricots on the tree.

Blueberries starting to grow.

This Japanese maple tree and gnarly tree stopped us getting up the side driveway – but both are so beautiful.  

Rang Mum and Dad for a big chat – everyone was there to celebrate Tracy finishing her last exam for Nursing and she has a job with the Cairns (Base) Hospital. She said Mrs Hogbin passed away - she was our great Librarian when we were at West Cairns Primary School. Lovely dinner with Joc and John – always the most gracious hosts, starting with bubbly and finishing with port – love that man!!

Cool night but cosy in our van.